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The New York Rangers have officially placed Chris Kreider on injured reserve, which gives Brett Berard a golden opportunity.
With Kreider recovering from an upper-body injury, Berard was recalled from the Hartford Wolf Pack of The American Hockey League, getting the chance to prove himself and earn a permanent spot with the Rangers.
However, Peter Laviolette doesn't see it that way.
The 22-year-old played 19 games for New York earlier in the season and truly showed that he belonged in the NHL.
Laviolette already has trust in Berard and strongly feels the young forward has already proven himself.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily a shot in the dark with Berard back in the lineup tonight,” Laviolette said. “He’s already come up, he’s already comfortable in here. He’s been here, he’s been in the system. He knows the way around. He’s come up and has played really well for us. He’s quick and he’s fast, he’s aggressive, he’s got a little bit of an edge to his game. He can create some offense and some energy.”
In his first stint with the Blueshirts, the young forward recorded three goals, four assists and seven points while averaging 11:20 minutes.
He was ultimately sent down back to the Wolf Pack, but not before impressing everyone within the Rangers organization.
If Berard continues to impress, he could very well remain with the Rangers permanently going forward.
Berard is set to play on Sunday night against the Nashville Predators. He’ll likely slot on a line with Sam Carrick and Matt Rempe.